In 1920’s and 1930’s, aboriginal gum leaf bands were a popular entertainment attraction. In areas where there were aboriginal missionary communities, local gum leaf bands were often formed. A high level of skill was required to master the many expressive gum leaf notes, as many people who tried to play a gum leaf after watching an aboriginal band, quickly found.

 

The photo below shows an aboriginal gum leaf band performing at the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in March 1932.

 

An Aboriginal Gum Leaf Band passes the dais at the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge on 19 March 1932 [State Library of NSW, FL1313308].

 

Port Stephens was one of the areas which had an aboriginal gum leaf band based at the Karuah Aboriginal Mission in Worimi Country. Descendants of the band members still reside in the Port Stephens region.

 

This paper looks at some of the activities of the Karuah Gum Leaf Band and the reactions of those who were entertained by it.

 

Coronation of the Queen of Port Stephens – 1912
 

The first published record of the Karuah Gum Leaf Band appeared in the Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 8 November 1912, page 3, reporting on the coronation of an aboriginal woman as queen of the Port Stephens tribe:

 

‘An interesting ceremony took place here on Saturday last, viz, the coronation of one of the aborigines as queen of the Port Stephens tribe. About 200 people were present, and Capt. Phillipson, of the s.s. Karuah, performed the ceremony. In a brief address he said that there was already a king of the aborigines — King Billy Ridgway — who was the successor to King Tommy, whose death took place some five years ago. The Mission Society of the Aborigines thought there should be queen of the tribe, and a crown was therefore procured in Sydney, which was an artistic piece of work, and was very much admired when placed upon the queen’ s head. The aborigines were much impressed with the ceremony, of whom there was a goodly number present from Port Stephens, Cape Hawke, and Manning district. Misses Stuart and Jackson, the two lady missionaries, had arranged a very nice programme in the form of a sacred concert, in which all the aborigines took part. Sacred songs were rendered by the aboriginal choir, also selections by male members of the gum leaf band.’

 

King Billy and Queen Charlotte [The Sun, 10 November 1912]

 

Opening of the Pindimar Fish Receiving Depot – 1917

 

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 17 November 1917, page 4, reported:

‘After the opening of the Pindimar fish receiving and refrigerating depot on Thursday, the Ministerial party was entertained at Nelson’s Bay by local residents. A large number attended the banquet in Mrs. Lund’s house. ………

The members of the National party accompanying him [Mr. Fuller, the Chief Secretary] were delighted with the reception Port Stephens had given them. One of the most delightful things to him was the aboriginal gum leaf band, whom be [Mr. Fuller] hoped to meet again.’

 

Shortly after the publication of the above report a correspondent wrote in the Dungog Chronicle of 23 November 1917, page 2, that:

‘There is at Port Stephens a novel band, not of the Sousa [type of band] or Besses o’ the Barn type [an English brass band], but something quite different, it is a gum leaf band and the bandsmen are aboriginals. One would think the music would be offside but it was far from it. Their rendering of Home, Sweet Home, the National Anthem, etc., was wonderfully good, and the tone and volume surprised everyone. In the distance the music seemed like that of stringed instruments.’

 

Newcastle Torchlight Procession – 1917

 

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 1 December 1917, page 7, carried two reports which included reference to the Karuah Gum Leaf Band:

‘The annual appeal on behalf of the Newcastle Hospital, the Newcastle and Northumberland Benevolent Society, and the Deaf and Dumb Institution, at Waratah, was made throughout the city and suburbs, yesterday. …… Hunter-street [Newcastle] had been turned into a village fair ground, and presented a spectacle of animation and merriment. ….. In all there were forty stalls, and they were loaded with a miscellaneous assortment of articles and foodstuffs. ……Band performances and side-shows also came into the scheme. One which attracted attention was the Port Stephens Gum leaf Band, a group of twelve aborigines, who contributed musical selections in a novel manner. By the simple expedient of placing a piece of gum leaf over the lips the players drew forth music, which was quite attractive……..

 

In the evening Hunter-street presented a gay appearance, as large crowds trudged along the thoroughfare between the stalls and side-shows ranged on either side. The illuminations were prolific. Music of bands and orchestra mingled with the shouts of those in charge of chocolate wheels and the rattle of the inescapable money-boxes. Thousands along the line of route viewed the torch light procession, which left Burwood-street at half-past seven o’clock, and marched through the principal street as far as Pacific-street. It was a creditable display.  …… After the procession had disbanded the Newcastle Municipal, Stockton, Adamstown, and Steel Works bands played selections from various balconies, and the Port Stephens coloured “Gum Leaf” Band held the attention of large crowds opposite the post-office.’

Presentation Evening at Karuah – 1919

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 7 February 1919, page 3, reported:

‘A most enjoyable function took place at Karuah on the night of the 1st of February in Francis Hall, Captain Bell, of the s.s. “Allyn River,” who is leaving to take up a position in the Government service, being presented with a gold watch, chain and trinket, by the residents of Port Stephens, as a token of regard and esteem. ….

 

At the conclusion the Gum Leaf Band gave a couple of selections, “Sons of the Sea,” and ”Toronto.” The members of the band comprised, Messrs. Hugh Ridgway, Sid Ridgway, Ernest Melmeth, Ronald Marr, William Ping, and Archie Russell. These items were well played on a gum leaf, and the novelty and cleverness of the band much appreciated.’

Anniversary of Karuah Aboriginal Mission School – 1920

The Maitland Daily Mercury of 13 September 1920, page 4, reported:

‘Yesterday the anniversary of the Sunday School at the aboriginal reserve, Karuah, Port Stephens, was celebrated. ……. At the afternoon gathering, conducted by Mr. Pierce, the aboriginal gum leaf band, accompanied on the organ by Miss Tomkins, gave several musical selections, which greatly interested and delighted the visitors from Maitland.’

Anniversary of Karuah Aboriginal Mission School – 1921

The Maitland Daily Mercury of 14 September 1921, page 4, reported:

‘A party from Maitland visited the aboriginal mission at Karuah on Sunday morning on the occasion of the anniversary of the A.I.M. Mission School. The little church had been made bright with giant lillies and other wild flowers, and the young people sang some of their school pieces. ……. In the afternoon a Bible Society open air service was held on the reserve at the ferry near to the soldiers’ monument. The aboriginals gum leaf band gave some pleasing selections.’

Park Improvement Committee Fund Raising – 1922

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 3 May 1922, page 8, reported:

‘On December 9 last year, when the Church of England Sports’ Committee disbanded, the same members, with other citizens, formed a Weston Citizens’ Park Improvement Committee. ….. A procession was marshalled by Mr. G. Montgomery shortly after ten o’clock near the cooperative store, and, headed by the Abermain and Weston Town Bands, and the Karuah Gum leaf Band of sixteen performers, proceeded to the Homestead grounds.’

Boomerang Throwing Substituted for Cricket – 1922

The Newcastle Sun of 15 May 1922, page 2, reported:

‘Though the rain made cricket matches impracticable on Saturday, the public who turned out to witness a game between Wallsend and a team from Karuah were given a demonstration of boomerang throwing by certain coloured and half-caste members of the Karuah team. At night the Mayor (Alderman Rae) presided over a welcome social to the team, when the visitors again proved capable entertainers through the medium of a gum leaf band. ….. So keen was the interest of the black members of the visiting team in the game that many of them it was said, would walk a dozen miles to play.’

Holiday Group Entertained at Port Stephens – 1924

The Sydney Mail of 19 November 1924, page 2, reported on the adventures of a group of mates from Sydney who travelled to Port Stephens for a holiday. The report described many experiences of the group as they travelled over various parts of the region. In particular, the newspaper reported:

‘At Pindimar we found an excellent boarding-house under the supervision of another Phillip, who like his great namesake, the early Governor, is devoting himself to the opening of the country and perhaps the foundation of another city. However, as we were determined to enjoy a cessation from business cares and pleasure was our only object, we ceased to think of all these serious innovations and devoted ourselves to boating, bathing, fishing and suchlike amusements. …….

 

On the following Sunday we went down to church in the boarding-house launch. There is no regular church established yet in the neighbourhood of Pindimar, but an occasional service is held in a room in the house of the postmistress, a short distance from our quarters. The service was held by Mr. Windsor, of the Aborigines Inland Mission, whose headquarters are at Karuah, a short distance, up the lake. Mr. Windsor had eight aboriginals to assist him in the service, with which we were greatly pleased. The assistants formed the choir, and it is commonly called “The Gum Leaf Band.”

The instruments they use are the leaves of gum and lemon trees. Each performer places a leave transversely in his mouth, and by blowing or otherwise produces the novel but exquisite accompaniment. Mr. Windsor played the hymns on the harmonium, and the members of this quaint band accompanied him with wonderful skill. Hymn after hymn was rendered with enthusiasm, and the rest of us sang exactly as we do in church, though perhaps a little more so. ……… I understand that this Gum Leaf Band has already played before the Governor and that it has given several performances in Sydney.

 

The mission, they told us has over thirty missionaries at work in various parts of New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. The missioners go forth to reside among, preach to, and attend to the spiritual wants of the coloured aboriginal population in central aboriginal stations. When the Education Department has completed the erection of the public school, on which it is now engaged, and regular clergymen are supplying the needs of their adherents, this band will probably disappear but we all agreed that the exhibition of talent these aboriginals gave to us was a special feature in our holiday.’

Toronto’s Centenary Celebration – 1924

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of 24 November 1924, page 2, reported:

‘The Toronto centenary celebrations, which were continued on Saturday, attracted many thousands of visitors to the beautiful Lake Macquarie town. …… The celebrations will undoubtedly do a great deal to bring about more general appreciation of Toronto and of the Lake, of which it has been termed the queen city. …..

 

There was plenty of music, the selections being played by the Second Infantry Brigade Band, Waratah Municipal Band, Teralba Scouts’ Band, Miss Ruby Guest’s Orchestra, Newcastle Pipe Band, and the Gum Leaf Band, from Karuah. ….’

Planning for Helping ‘Soldiers’ Fundraising – 1928

The Newcastle Sun of 28 September 1928, page 6, reported:

‘Many novel ideas were submitted to a meeting of the sub-committee of the R.S. and S.I.L. Benevolent Fund appeal in the Memorial Hall last night. In connection with the gymkhana, which it is proposed to hold on October 27, it was suggested that a mimic warfare in which aeroplanes and anti-air craft guns would be operating, could be staged. A feature of the gymkhana day will be a procession, which will be organised on a much large scale than that held by the Motor Traders’ Association in its appeal for funds for the Newcastle Hospital. …..

 

Aborigines from Karuah will take part in a football match between aborigines and the rest of Newcastle. The aboriginal gum-leaf band will assist.’

Karuah Aboriginal Footballers – 1931

The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder of 3 July 1931, page 1, reported:

‘Efforts are being made for a sunday to be fixed for the Karuah Aboriginal football team to play a match against Cessnock on the Cessnock Showground. If the team does come, their Gum Leaf band will also be in attendance.’

Community Singing at Raymond Terrace – 1931

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 13 August 1931, page 2, reported:

‘On Thursday night in the Oddfellows’ Hall, Raymond Terrace, there was a large attendance at the community singing and a more lustily and hearty attempt was noticed than in the first.

 

The aboriginals from Karuah gave several leaf band items too, and they were novel and welcome as the music extracted from the gum leaves is resonant and pleasing. Some items more so than others, just according to the item selected. The band also accompanied some of the items. Those who make up this musical leaf combination are Hugh Ridgway, Darby Ridgway, T. and P. Manton, J. McKinnon, B. Maher and W. Bate. Duet sketches were also given by H. and D. Ridgway and T. Manton and B. Maher and they were warmly applauded. So too were the banjo parts. Songs by D. Ridgway were also popular. The performers have very good voices, but their repertoire of songs could be improved. But they roused the plaudits of the gathering. ….. Thanks were given the Aboriginies for their services, and Hugh Ridgway expressed, his appreciation of the thanks, and would come again, as they would do anything for the footballers. A dance was held afterwards. The sum of about £3 will be written down as profit.’

Back-to-Work Carnival at Maitland – 1932

The Newcastle Sun of 6 September 1932, page 7, reported:

‘Maitland’s Prosperity Campaign Week will open on September 21 with a street procession. Three local bands— the Military and Citizens, the Model, and the Salvation Army— will take part, and in addition efforts are being made to secure the services of the Sydney Police Band, a pipers’ band, two Scouts’ bugle bands from Newcastle, and the Boys’ Band from Greta. The Aborigine Gum Leaf Band from Karuah will be made a special attraction.’

Bid to Rejuvenate Karuah Sports – 1938

The Raymond Terrace Examiner and Lower Hunter and Port Stephens Advertiser of 16 June 1938, page 3, reported:

‘At one time Karuah folk could look forward to a pleasant Saturday afternoon watching football or cricket. For a long time now sport of any sort at the village has been practically dead. Thanks to the interest taken by Mr. R. Eyles, recently Nelsons Bay visited Karuah to try conclusion with a local team at footy. After a good hearty tussle Karuah won but by a very narrow margin.

To give the sport a further kick along Mr. Eyles organised a dance interspersed with musical items supplied by the Mission boys. ‘Darby’ Ridgeway sang a song, and don’t forget Darby has a fine baritone voice and the selections given by the Mission ‘Gum leaf band, (Darby Ridgeway, ‘Stringer’ Lilley and the Maher Bros.) were well worth listening to. The music for the dance was supplied by Mr. Fairhall, (piano), and Mr. George Neil, (drums and accordion). Both gentlemen gave their services for the good of the cause.’

EPILOGUE

Throughout the story of the Karuah Gum Leaf band, the name of ‘Ridgeway’ [Ridgway] has been prominent. The musical talent of the Ridgeways has passed down the generations.

‘The Story of Uncle John Ridgeway’ who is a musician, was reported in the News of the Area newspaper on 7 October 2020 and is an inspirational read.

Another is the gifted Newcastle award winning singer/songwriter and First Nations performer, Jacob Ridgeway, whose story is told in the Newcastle Weekly of August 2022. Jacob was the face of ‘The Land’ at the launch of New Annual 2022 in Newcastle.

 Compiled and researched by Kevin McGuinness

January 2023